Since June 1, 2016, Bordeaux has a contemporary monument, which illustrates the city's dedication to the fruit of the vine: La Cité du Vin.

The purpose of this museum is to create a space where sensory experiences are centered wholly around wine. This site is fully dedicated to this "nectar," as a living piece of French history and culture. Experts from all around the world helped to curate this collection, showing a global approach to the universal, cultural, and symbolic role wine plays in different cultures.

A Knotted Vine

This architectural masteripece, anchored on the banks of the Garonne River, boasts an impressive exterior. A shining, 180 foot beacon, the facade of the building is constructed from glass pannels and perforated aluminium. This monument resembles a knotted grapevine, rooted in a glass base representing the nearby Garonne River.

Themed Exhibitions

Once inside, the sheer size of the interior is striking. At 10 floors high and nearly 140,000 square feet in area, the Cité du Vin is a wine voyage across time and space. Themes include:

A Tour of Vineyards Around the WorldAn incredible flight through wine landscapes around the world, projected onto 3 giant screens.

Planet WineA series of interactive globes showcasing the world economy of wine.

E-winesSmart tablets provide an interactive look into the world of winegrowers and their craft.

The Metamorphosis of WineThe secrets of winemakers of the world are finally revealed.

Portraits of Wine6 giant bottles, each dedicated to a well-known wine family, give insight into different wines of the world.

From Water to WineAnimated charts display the main river and maritime passageways of the world, from past to present.

Aboard a BoatCelebrating the generations of merchants who transported wine across the seas.

The Great Gallery of CivilizationsAn archaeological exploration of the great wine civilzations of the world.

An Exploration for All SensesUnderstanding how all 5 senses play into the art of wine tasting.

Art and Divine WineA place of contemplation to discover the representation of wine in different religions and beliefs, including audiovisual commentary.